The Frankfort Square Wildcats is a member of the River Valley Youth Football League. The Wildcats was established in 1998 with the following objective: To provide the youth in the community a safe, supervised competitive football and cheerleading program while promoting the ideals of sportsmanship, team spirit, honesty, loyalty and citizenship.

September 16, 2021

Wildcats Football Recap for Week 4

All three flag and four tackle teams were in action over the weekend. Let’s breakdown our future Wildcats action first.

Buccaneers vs Giants (Frankfort)

This weekend the Buccaneers faced off against the crosstown rival Giants. The Buccaneers jumped out to an early 7-0 lead with a Tommy Piszczor touchdown. Leading the way with some excellent down field blocking was fullback AJ Young, proving that he’s more than just an offensive lineman. Greyson Young, Mathew Kopin and Lucian Holder dominated on their side of the offensive line. Logan Michels continues his quest for perfection as the Buccaneers center. Defensive Captain Tyler Huber gave new meaning to the word “shut down corner” as he allowed no positive yards on his half of the field. Parker Santor is quickly becoming a constant presence in the opposition’s backfield. The Brooks brothers (Emmitt and Axel) suited up and made it to the game after finishing Sunday school. After the way they manhandled the Giants running backs they might have to go back and ask for forgiveness. Sam Holzer was racking up flags like a chipmunk storing nuts for the winter. The Buccaneers ended up tying a very good Giants team 12-12.

Bears vs Steelers

Just like the NFL, when these two storied franchises meet you are in for a battle. The Steelers and the Bears faced off this week with an optimal outcome for the Wildcats organization - neither team lost! The 21-21 tie was a hard-fought battle with big offensive plays for both teams. The Steelers were able to get on the board first thanks to a 30 yard run on the opening drive from Nicholas Merlos. Big defensive stops by the Steelers kept them in the game with notable plays coming from Zach Morales, Billy Mikaitis and Merlos. Behind the key blocking of Ray Hines and Angelo Cameo, Colton Zylka led the Steelers rushing attack as he found the endzone for the second straight game. As injuries plagued the Steelers, Mikaitis (QB#3) was tasked to get under center for the first time in his career, only to break free on a 28 yard QB keeper to bring the game to a 21-21 tie. The fleet footed Bears saw their touchdowns scored by Ty Kobialko, Jack Brown, and Nico Genardo, Davey Becvar stood out on defense with a huge 4^th down tackle for loss.

Tackle Results

This is not an advice column, but I do offer these three tidbits:

1. Don’t tug on Superman’s cape.
2. Don’t spit in the wind.
3. Don’t schedule the Wildcats for Homecoming…

SLW vs Tinley Park Bulldogs

SLW were the first to take the field at Bulldog Field in front of a raucous Bulldog fanbase ready to celebrate four Homecoming victories. Coach Nakos’ Superlights had other ideas. Kenny Ritter got the scoring started with an exceptional touchdown run. The Bulldogs fed off their fans’ energy and battled back. Ritter’s second touchdown of the game gave the Wildcats a 13-7 4^th quarter lead, but the Cats still needed to stop the Dogs. The D stepped up behind Bryce Westerberg, Callen Mikrut, Ryan Radziwon, Andy Palmer, and Ritter and were able to seal the victory. The defense fought the inspired Bulldogs the whole way tallying two interceptions by Radziwon, upping his River Valley leading interception count to three.

In 5^th quarter action, the “Breakfast Club” got their pancakes with “Rexzilla” Schultz, Declan “Night Train” Lang, and Noah Paskauskas flattening the defensive line. Jackson Cline and “Two Hand” Jones accounted for the touchdowns.

LW vs Tinley Park Bulldogs

I don’t know who peed in the Lightweights’ Cheerios, but they came out angry, laying big hit after big hit on the Bulldogs. The O-line did their usual stellar job up front, but the story of the game was the blocking by the backfield. When not scoring touchdowns, the “Twin Towers of Death” Dylan and Connor Clendenning and the “Mad Greek” Dante Toures de-cleated the would-be tacklers. The Wildcats spread the wealth on offense behind impressive touch down runs by Dylan (2), Toures, QB Tyler Molitor, and TE Anthony Holder on an end around. On defense, Elliott Roethle (note to the announcers, it is pronounced “rate-lee”) was a missile, flying around the field and destroying whatever he saw and intercepting a pass. Lightweights made it 2-0 on the day with a 31-14 victory.

In the 5^th quarter, the Cats had to deal with a massive front line, but undersized linemen Caden Schlender, Zac Mularz, Braden Lackenbach, Jesse Devivo, Danny Dwyer, and (the not-so-undersized) Teddy Zugaj held their own. In what this reporter calls the most exciting run in Wildcat history, QB Luke Drexel scrambled to his right, juked left leaving 11 tacklers on the ground, and sprinted with his 4.25 40 yard dash speed to the endzone for a TD (well at least that’s how I remember it).

JV vs Tinley Park Bulldogs

I can sum up this game in one word, “Domination”. JV has yet to give up a point in three games this year. The Cats held the Bulldogs to 10 yards of offense on the day! Logan Yerkey was the leading tackler with strong contributions from Colin Phelan, Kellen Hayden, and Aiden Cavanaugh. On the other side of the ball, the offense accumulated 212 yards (170 on the ground). Ryan Harris led the rushing attack scoring one TD and Phelan added two more rushing TDs. Elijah Archbold found Aiden Cavanaugh through the air for the other score.

The 5^th quarter saw Hunter Clendenning burst up field for a 50+ yard touchdown capping a huge day for the Clendenning Clan. Ryan Manzke continues to lead the 5^th quarter team in tackles. The 26-0 win made the Cats 3-0 on the day.

Varsity vs Tinley Park Bulldogs

Looking for the clean sweep, Varsity faced the defending River Valley Varsity champions. Unfortunately, the Wildcats struggled to get the offense going and fell 19-6 to the Bulldogs. There were bright spots in the loss, with Corey Les extending his TD streak to three games. Defensively, the Wildcats stayed within striking distance until the 4^th quarter with Jari Mukarram’s two tackles for loss and fumble recovery and a big sack from Noah Potts. Varsity is back to work this week and look to get back to .500 against the Homer Stallions.

What’s next?

It’s rivalry week. The Wildcats travel to Homer looking to corral the Stallions. There is no love lost between these two organizations, so come cheer the boys on and watch the sparks fly.

Teal, Black, and White, Fight, Fight, Fight! Go Cats Go!

Attention Wildcat Fans:

If you ordered Spirit Wear and did not have it delivered to your home you may pick it up Wednesday (9/15/21) evening between 5:30-7:30 PM at Lincoln Way North football field.

If you cannot make the Wednesday pick-up, a second date will be scheduled, if needed. If you have questions, please contact Jill Zugaj via email at jilzugaj@sbcglobal.net or text at 773-750-8170.

Thank you.

Go Cats!

September 8, 2021

This week’s newsletter is sponsored by Double Good popcorn. It’s double good because it tastes good and the Wildcats get half the money!

Remember the popcorn fundraiser goes through Saturday, September 11^th.

Wildcats Football Recap for Week 3

Flag, SuperLights, and Varsity got to enjoy the holiday weekend, while the Lightweights and JV had to take care of business on the road. SLW, LW, and JV also were busy midweek in the Wednesday Night Football League.

Wednesday Night Football

SLW vs Homer Stallions

It’s no secret that the Wildcats and Stallions do not like one another, and that was on display Wednesday night. If you like offense, this was a game for you – a 42-42 tie! Jackson Cline flew around the field, scoring four touchdowns. QB Zander Howard added another TD on a 50 yard QB keeper. Jackson Huber stood out on the offensive and defensive lines with two TFLs. London Jones and Tommy Mularz were active in the backfield collectively amassing over 100 yards rushing. Matthew Collins also made his presence known with two tackles for loss.

LW vs Tinley Park Bulldogs

LW and JV headed over to historic Downtown Tinley to face the Bulldogs. In LW action, the Wildcats stormed the field, jumping out to a 20-0 lead. Anthony Merlos scored two of his three TDs in the first half on long runs, and Evan Pearson took an end around to the house for a score. The Bulldogs did not lie down and play dead, scoring two second half TDs to get within striking range, but Merlos’ 4^th quarter TD run sealed the 26-12 victory. The offensive line of Lough, Racette, Roberts, Bailey, Dixon, Corral, and Pearson opened the holes against an enormous Bulldog line. Quinn Rumbaugh and Will Holzer had strong games from the LB positions.

JV vs Tinley Park Bulldogs

Whether on Wednesday or on the weekend, it is hard to score on the JV Wildcats. JV held the Bulldogs scoreless in a 12-0 victory. The highlight of the game was Ryan Manzke’s 69 yard burst for a TD in a 6-0 first half. The second half saw Luke “Frenchy” Bourgeois power the ball in from 9 yards out to cap out the scoring.

Weekend Action

JV vs New Lenox Jr. Knights

JV remains unscored upon after two games with a 12-0 shutout victory over the Knights on Saturday. The defense, led by Logan Yerkey (9 tackles, 1 assist) limited the Knights to 56 total yards on the day. Casey Mikrut and Kellen Hayden both recorded interceptions against the Knights’ QB. Mikrut also was a power offensively with 54 yards rushing and a 12 yard TD. Aidan Cavanaugh slammed up the middle for a 1 yard TD to finish the scoring.

LW vs Frankfort Falcons Blue

In the first of two regular season matchups of the crosstown rivals, Lightweights met up with the previously unbeaten Falcons Blue team and came out on top 12-0 on Sunday morning. The defense was the story for the Wildcats, pitching the shutout against the explosive Falcons offense. Two-way starter Dante Toures recorded huge plays on both sides of the ball, with an interception, a touchdown saving tackle, and a TD run. The defense stepped up all day long. After the Falcons recovered the onside kick to start the game, the defense forced the Falcons to turn the ball over on downs. The defenses battled back and forth until Dylan Clendenning followed his brother Connor’s block around the right end and sprinted past the Falcons’ to score from 50 yards out.  As halftime approached, the Falcons’ QB got loose on the left side and appeared to be headed for a score until Dante ran him down from across the field just short of the goal line. The defense, inspired by Dante’s tackle, held strong and stopped the Falcons on four straight plays inside the 5 yard line. Amer Salah and Adan Corral had key stops. The Wildcat Wall got it going in the second half springing QB Tyler Molitor for a long run and opening the middle for Toures’ TD run. Anthony Holder sealed the game with an interception on the Falcons’ next possession.

What’s next?

The three flag teams are in action this weekend, and the tackle squads head back to Tinley to face the Bulldogs. After you sell all of your popcorn, come out and cheer the boys on.

Teal, Black, and White, Fight, Fight, Fight! Go Cats Go!

2021 Wildcats Cheerleading Waiting List Procedure

If you are interested in placing your daughter on the waiting list for Wildcats 2021 cheer season, please follow the instructions below.  Siblings of Wildcats must also use the waiting list procedures.

The waiting list does not start until January 1, 2021.  Any emails received prior to that day will be deleted.

Email the following information to  

1. Your daughter's name

2. Grade for the 2021-2022 school year

3. School attending 

4. Your name

5. Your phone number

6. Note if there is a sibling on Wildcats, if so, list if sibling(s) is/are football or cheer and level for 2021 season.

*All replies will be made to the email address you use, if you want another email address replied to please provide that information.

After all returning cheerleaders have registered for the season, each squad will determine if there are any openings available.  Siblings of Wildcats who participated in the 2020 season and who re-register for the 2021 season, by the deadline, will get priority placement.

If there are any openings available after the sibling placement, we then go to the general waiting list, with priority to Summit Hill school district 161 residents.

Girls from both the sibling and general waiting list are chosen on a first come, first serve basis.

Please email any questions to  

While we are sure everyone would like to be playing a regular season right now, our Cheer and Football Conditioning Camps have been a big hit!  Cheer is winding down but football will continue for several more weeks.  We want to thank Sir Grout for helping keep our kids safe by sanitizing all of our football equipment!  If you have any cleaning needs, check out their website Sir Grout or give them a call!